System for water recirculation

ABSTRACT

A system for water recirculation that includes: a sink/faucet water inflow; a hot water flow flowing into the sink/faucet inflow; a cold water flow flowing into the sink/faucet inflow; and a sink/faucet valve between the sink/faucet water inflow and a sink/faucet input, wherein the valve opens flow to the sink/faucet input in an open position and the valve directs the sink/faucet inflow to a water return in a closed position. The water return is directed to a hot water heater.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a system designed to recirculate water within a water supply system.

Description of Related Art

Many household systems supply water to faucets throughout a household. Similarly in many commercial buildings water supply water to bathrooms and other areas within the commercial space. Water is typically dispensed through a faucet next to a sink or in a shower or bath tub. Water is commonly supplied through hot water and cold water supply pipes. The pipes are separated where hot water is supplied from a hot water heater and cold water is supplied directly from the water supply that is flowed into the building. The water supplied to the buildings is sent to the hot water heater to provide heat to warm the water and supply hot water. When the water is held within the pipes stagnant it requires a certain amount of water released in the pipe before hot water is provided to the faucet output. So typically, a user may have to run hot water for a few seconds or up to a minute to actually receive hot water. Therefore, there is a portion of water that is essentially wasted because it is not at the temperature desired by the user. As a result, it would be advantageous to have a system or faucet designed to recirculate water when the faucet is in a off position. The water may be directed back to the hot water heater therefore providing consistently warm water throughout the system for use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system for water recirculation that includes: a sink/faucet water inflow; a hot water flow flowing into the sink/faucet inflow; a cold water flow flowing into the sink/faucet inflow; and a sink/faucet valve between the sink/faucet water inflow and a sink/faucet input, wherein the valve opens flow to the sink/faucet input in an open position and the valve directs the sink/faucet inflow to a water return in a closed position. The water return is directed to a hot water heater.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a hot water heater with a water return pipe.

FIG. 2 shows the present invention affixed to a faucet configuration to provide for water recirculation.

FIG. 3 depicts the present invention closing of the recirculation flow and that the dispensing of the flow of water into a faucet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a water recirculation system that recirculates water not currently being used back to a hot water heater. The water recirculation system of the present invention places a recirculation valve on a faucet or a sink intake to direct hot and cold water back to the hot water heater. This constant flow of water into the hot water heater ensures that heated water is provided upon the initial release of water into the faucet. The system includes a valve at the faucet inflow, where the valve opens to release water into the faucet and closes to redirect water back to the hot water heater.

In reference to FIG. 1, a hot water heater 100 is shown with a hot water output 30 and a water return pipe 32. The water return pipe 32 merges with water input 35. This flow of water is directed into the hot water heater therefore maintaining a consistent flow of hot water output 30.

The water return pipe 32 flow is controlled at a faucet input 40 as shown in FIG. 2. The faucet input 40 includes a valve 42 as shown. In FIG. 2, the valve 42 is closed and directs water into the water return pipe 32. This water return pipe 32 receives water from the water inflow 45 which is a mix of hot water flow 44 and cold water flow 46. This flow of water therefore is maintained at a relatively warm temperature therefore obviating the need for having to release water to allow the input of hot water for appropriate temperature purposes. During use of the faucet valve 42 is open as shown in FIG. 3 therefore shutting off the return water flow to water return pipe 32 and allowing water inflow 45 into the faucet input 40. This ensures that adequately warm water is provided to the faucet as needed.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 

1. A system for water recirculation comprising: a. a sink/faucet water inflow; b. a hot water flow flowing into the sink/faucet inflow; c. a cold water flow flowing into the sink/faucet inflow; d. a sink/faucet valve between the sink/faucet water inflow and a sink/faucet input, wherein the valve opens flow to the sink/faucet input in an open position and the valve directs the sink/faucet inflow to a water return in a closed position, wherein the water return is directed to a hot water heater; e. an outside water input directed to the hot water heater, wherein the outside water input merges with the water return to create a composite water supply to the hot water heater; and f. a hot water heater output supplying water to the hot water flow.
 2. (canceled)
 3. A hot water heater comprising: a. an outside water supply input; b. a return water supply, wherein the return water supply includes water previously transferred from the hot water heater and said outside water supply input merges with the return water supply to create an input water supply to the hot water heater; c. a hot water output; and d. a tank. 